We
have a variety of resources related to pregnancy, birth, and parenting
available to us in Central Maine. Sometimes, though, it can be overwhelming
to try to locate them: Are there any good consignment stores for children's
clothing and supplies? How can I find a homebirth midwife? Who provides
breastfeeding support? How can I get involved in a playgroup in my area,
once my baby is born?

Hopefully these lists will help you locate just the organization, item,
or person that you're looking for! Do be aware, however, that this is
just a list. It is NOT a recommendation or an endorsement
- I am including people and places on this list whom I haven't contacted
or used personally. Always ask lots of questions and get the information
you need to make an informed decision!

I
plan to be adding resources to this list regularly. If you know of a resource
related to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, or parenting in the Central
Maine area, send me an email.
Thanks!

To
search for more doulas, or to see an expanded list of their services,
go to the Doula Network or the
Maine Association for Independent Doulas website's referral
page. Or attend a Doula Tea at Birth
Roots in Portland and to learn about the many prenatal, birth, and
post-partum resources they offer.

Kindermusik of Central MaineAnn ForsingKindermusik and Signing Smart gives you Sign and Sing- using research
proven methods to speed language development in hearing children, you'll
see how sign language can ease frustration, and enhance long-term
learning abilities for your child. Ages 6 months-3 years.
794-2881
Bangor

Ricker Hill Orchardsapple-picking, petting zoo, tractors and more!
Turner
225-5552
Below is information for two of our favorite apple orchards. To find a
farm to pick fruits or vegetables, go to pick-your-own
farm. Both sites are part of the Get
Real Get Maine website, which is an excellent resource of agricultural-type
events andactivities.

Lakeside Orchardswonderful early apples (Paula Red our favorite for first apple pies)
and a very nice shop with other local fruits andveggies; inexpensive perenniels
and pumpkins too
318 Readfield Road, Manchester
622-2479

Kennebec
Music TogetherJoanna DiMeoMusic Together classes are for children from newborn to Kindergarten
and their parents or caregivers. The goal of the program is to teach children
to sing in key and keep a steady beat. We sing, dance, play instruments,
do chants, and small to large movement. Classes held in Waterville, Augusta,
Gardiner and Winthrop on Mon, Tues & Sat.
582-3027Children's Discovery
Museum
171 Capitol Street, Augusta
622-2209

Diddos for Kiddos Consignment Sale
AugustaFall/Winter Sale
at the St. Paul Center, 136 State Street
Sat, October 3rd from 8:00am-6:00pm
Sun, October 4th from 8:00-4pm (1/2 price!)For more details and a link to the pdf, visit my
blog.

Listed below are some parks that I've enjoyed with my family, as well
as some links to websites with trail maps in our area. Please keep in
mind that the notes I've included here are simply my observations at the
time I visited the parks and may no longer be accurate as trail conditions
etc. can change rapidly. Enjoy!!

Kennebec River Rail Trail
Augusta, Hallowell, GardinerI often use the Hallowell portion of this trail, which is especially
picturesque in the fall as the leaves change color. Easy to navigate with
a stroller.

KENNEBEC
RAIL TRAIL - HALLOWELL FALL & SPRING 2003

Vaughn Woods
HallowellLocated at the Junction of Middle Street and Litchfield Road you'll
see a small parking lot for Vaughn Woods. This is a beautiful walk that
has always seemed peaceful and more "remote" than it actually
is.Not suitable for strollers.

Range
Pond State Park
Poland
998-4104 Pronounced "rang" for those of you like me who are "from
away" and may not know... nice place for a picnic and a swim, though
it can get crowded. Also nice for cross-country skiing in the winter.

RANGE
POND STATE PARK, SUMMER 2002

Bradbury
Mountain State Park
Pownal
688-4712We've done the loop trail up Bradbury several times - a nice trail
that provides a beautiful view at the top (can even see the ocean!) without
much elevation gain.

Wolfe's
Neck Woods State Park
Freeport
865-4465This great little park is only five minutes from Freeport. A nice place
for a picnic after/before hitting the outlets. Lots of room for little
ones to run around. Also a nice place for cross-country skiing.
Androscoggin River Bicycle Path
Brunswick
Haven't used this one...

Popham
Beach State Park
Phippsburg
389-1335We love this beach! It never gets too crowded and is very family-friendly.
There is a large rock "island" that you can walk to when the
tide is low. Our favorite beach. Keep in mind: when the parking lot is
full, it's one car out/one car in, so if it's supposed to be a nice day
during peak season, you may want to get there early.

POPHAM
BEACH STATE PARK SUMMERS 2003, 2004

Reid
State Park
Georgetown
371-2303Another awesome beach, with beautiful dunes and pine trees. Has a "lagoon"
that the little kids I've seen there enjoy, a snack bar, and flush toilets
(Popham has none of these). Also sometimes has mosquitos... Same one car
out/one car in policy as Popham.